The accused comprised Bangladeshi nationals Sohel Rana, 40, and Sahajahan, 37, and Myanmar nationals Abdul Majid Abdul Malik, 25, Soforodin Fozol Korim, 25, Mokhtar Huson Zaher Huson, 26, Ismail Azita Rahman, 23, and Arafat Hussein Jamal Mustafa, 24.

All seven nodded in understanding after the charge was read to them before magistrate Noorelynna Hanim Abd Halim, Bernama reported.

No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The seven are accused of jointly abducting a 47-year-old Bangladeshi man with the intent of demanding ransom, in front of a mosque in Sentul at about 11.30pm on June 26.

They were charged under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961, which provides for a sentence of between 30 and 40 years’ imprisonment, as well as caning, upon conviction.

The court fixed Oct 2 for next mention of the case.

Deputy public prosecutor Iman Nurhidayah Ezani appeared for the prosecution, while counsel K Komagan represented Sohel Rana.

The other six accused were unrepresented.